The 1827 portrait of Alexander Pushkin by Orest Kiprensky is considered to be one of the most representative works of the Golden Era of Russian literature. The portrait was commissioned by Pushkin's dear friend Anton Delvig. The work depicts this Romantic poet as not only a man in high society, but the perfect example of creative imagination.
Kiprensky skillfully applies warm colors to draw the viewer's attention to Pushkin's thoughtful look. He is portrayed at half-turn, dressed in a fashionable all black frock coat, with a scarf and plaid cloak elegantly thrown over the shoulder. The crossed arms give an impression of deep thinking and strong emotions which match with the main idea of Romantic individuality.
The most remarkable feature of the painting is a light in Pushkin's eyes. Kiprensky captured melancholy, intelligence, and inspiration in his look. In the background, one can see a small bronze statue of Muse Erato with a lyre that completes the impression of the poet's divine calling.
In the end, Kiprensky’s creation breaks beyond the ordinary conventions of portrait art in that it embodies the spirit of Romanticism in Russia. By combining physical precision to deep emotional expressiveness, the painting proves to be a tribute to the literary brilliance of Pushkin. It becomes a significant cultural phenomenon, having captured the very soul of a poet who played a role in defining the period of great literature.
Orest Kiprensky, also known as the pioneer of Russian Romanticism , specialized in portrait paintings. He broke the tradition of older, stiff portraits and rather focused on highlighting the human emotions of his subjects which perhaps made the painitngs more personal. The given portrait of Alexander Pushkin is widely considered as one of his most famous creations which prompted the poet to comment "The mirror flatters me". Not only does Kiprensky's brushstrokes beautifully capture Pushkin's visage but it also encapsulates the emotions lying behind the facade of a muse. The plaid scarf , the crossed arms and the background statue of Muse Erato deliver the Romantic sentiment better than words can ever do. His eyes alone have captured a distinct wave of sadness and thoughtfulness which is anher depiction of Kiprensky's mastery at his craft. The background has equally helped to bring out the individuality of the poet's emotional expressiveness as well as the precise physicality turning a very simple portrait to an extraordinary one.
